When it comes to caring for our planet, the task of change can feel daunting and overwhelming. Here you can find resources, information and letter templates for small change that makes a huge difference, from the purchases we make to the actions we take.
Here's the biggy; the climate crisis isn't our individual fault, but it is our problem.
Throughout history, plenty of small changes, adjustments and human behaviours have led to the longlasting impact of climate change, alongside massive corporations who've used oceans, skies and land as unregulated dumping grounds, but the root cause easily gets lost in the behaviour of and blame on the end consumer.
Fortunately, with a better perspective, we can learn how our behaviour does create change while also seeking to hold those in power, at the start of the production line, for example, more accountable.
The following resources are aimed at informing day to day choices which support a more sustainable future while also providing actions that can be taken against those who are more directly responsible.
Climate change isn't the fault of any one single person and creating a blame culture only leads to shame and stunted conversation. However, there is a responsibility we hold as a wider population to acknowledge facts and support the sustainability and health of our natural world.
1.
Care; For the day to day consumer, dramatic life change isn't required, or full-scale rampage, because simply increasing our awareness and having constructive conversations and making small adjustments contribute to overall collective change.
Getting involved has a ripple effect through our actions and perception of others on the issue.
2.
Keep it Constructive; In line with the overall theme, keep conversations with others about climate change constructive and informative. There is a known rebellion against the facts of climate change which relate directly to how overwhelming the topic can be, so in order to engage with the focus of progress, keeping political and environmental conversations geared toward encouraging change supports the overall aim.
3.
Watch Your Wallet; While supporting and donating to appropriate charities is great, it's more important to not spend on items or with businesses that work directly against the cause; for example, looking for plastic-free alternatives or avoiding palm oil based products, opting for more ethical friendly alternatives. You may like this list of ideas.
4.
Mind Your Meat; If you're a meat-eater, don't panic, hardcore veganism isn't our only option, but the case for reducing meat consumption stacks up and plays a huge part in reducing greenhouse gasses. Alongside this, opting for locally reared meats supports local businesses, ensures the meat's travelled less distance and cuts down on food waste as you're more likely to just buy what yu need.
5.
Pre-Loving; From buying in charity shops to scouring antique markets, buying second hand not only saves on production, but also on wrapping and containers. By utilising what already exists, we extend the longevity of furniture, clothes and homeware and cut down on creating more 'stuff'.
6.
Foodie Focus; On our supermarket shops, opting for fresh, local, seasonal produce without packaging can be the obvious change to make, but making recipes from scratch can also help cut down on unnecessary fast food production alongside supporting overall health.
7.
You Can Compost; Starting a compost, if you can, or finding out more from your local council about your options for composting can make a vital difference when it comes to reducing CO2 emissions from landfill. Some local allotments also take composting.
8.
Plan Ahead; We know the benefits of cutting down on plastic bags, so planning ahead by keeping them in the car or a foldable bag with us can help for those times when we 'just forget'. Planning ahead can also mean packing lunch, a refillable water bottle or coffee cup so we don't have to buy more. A good way to do this is to think about functional items you use often and see whether there's an environmentally friendly substitute. Also consider taking your own Tupperware to the butcher or takeaway.
7.
Voice It; While no one's saying to get rowdy, using the mighty pen can help companies, councils and MP's take note of what matters to you as a consumer. Requesting information around sourcing, production, trade and environmental impact helps call companies into account for their actions and take responsibility.
Be The Change
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- A Safety Razor - Instead of disposable
- Sustainable Toilet Paper
- Compostable Ear Buds
- Bamboo Toothbrush
- Eco Dental Floss
- Cloth Nappies
- DIY Face Mask or buying a pot - This can save on packaging of single use sheets.
Bathroom
- Bamboo Cutlery - handy if you're at a festival or eating on the hop
- Refillable Pen
- Stainless Steel Water Bottle
- Travel Mug
- Folding, Reusable Bags
- DIY Bees Wax Wrap or Ready Made
- Bamboo Straws
- K Cups for Coffee Machines
- Silicone Baking Mat
- Tea Infuser - Switching to a tea infuser with loose tea instead of ready-made bags, which often contain plastic, are single use and often come in plastic lined boxes with plastic wrap.
- Coconut Scourer
- Dryer Balls
- Napkins
- Silicone Food Bags
- Bamboo Dish Scrubber
- Charcoal Water Filters
- Rechargeable Batteries
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Kitchen & Utilities